There will be a surprise Duel featured in this chapter. I hope you'll like it!
Disclaimer: I do not own any Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's characters! I only own my OCs!
Chapter 106: VS. The Last Human
It had been a while since Jack, Leo, and Luna felt the tremors of one of the Planetary Gears when it came to a stop. The trio was still nowhere close to their assigned Planetary Gear, and it was the same for Yusei and Antinomy. Aki, Crow, and Sherry were driving their Duel Runners through a new corridor they found after their Duel with Paradox. They had checked the blueprint they received from Antinomy and concluded that road led them to the Sun Gear where they were going to meet up with the other Signers. Everyone was focused on reaching their destination they didn't bother to check how much time they had left to stop the Ark Cradle from falling onto New Domino City and trigger a new Zero Reverse incident. Deep in their hearts, they knew there was still time and they had to utilize every second without wasting them.
Jack and the twins soon reached a bridge that led them to the second Planetary Gear. Just like with the first one, there was a column in the middle that held the enormous gear up and made it spin in reverse. Jack got off his Duel Runner and removed his helmet while the twins hopped off their Duel Boards and pulled the helmets off their heads. They couldn't help but be fascinated of how the massive Planetary Gear was constructed.
"What is this place?" Leo wondered.
"Is this light Ener-D?" Luna questioned.
"This place must be…", Jack began as he reached a conclusion.
"The Planetary Gear?" Leo guessed.
"Exactly", a familiar voice spoke up.
The trio of Signers turned their eyes at the column where a door appeared out of nowhere. The light emitting from the open door blinded the Signers briefly before it died down and revealed the guardian of the second Planetary Gear. It was someone they didn't expect to see again after the World Racing Grand Prix.
"No way!" Luna gasped in shock.
"You're…", Leo's voice got stuck in his throat in disbelief.
"Aporia!" Jack called and braced himself, ready to jump in if he had to protect the twins.
Aporia walked silently toward the trio before he stopped meters from them. His frame had been repaired and showed no signs of the aftermath of the Grand Prix hours ago. "You're standing on the Planetary Gear", he explained. "But you won't stop it as long as I'm here."
"You?" Jack said confusedly.
By just narrowing his eyes, Aporia sent commands to the Planetary Gear. A hole opened in the wall of the column before it ejected three devices straight at the Signers. Before they could react, the devices clamped themselves onto the left side of the Signers' chest. They tried to remove the devices, but then got the disturbing revelation that their left ankles had been cuffed. They couldn't move from the spot where they were standing.
The next thing they knew, the Signers felt thin but sharp needles being pierced through their clothes and into the skin and even through their ribs. They grunted in pain as they clutched their hands by the devices, not understanding what was happening.
"It hurts!" Luna shrieked in pain.
"W-What's going on?" Leo panted to smooth the pain in his chest.
"What did you do?!" Jack glared at the guardian.
"You can no longer escape", Aporia replied in a monotonous voice. "If you try to escape, the needles will pierce your heart."
"What?!" the Signers gasped simultaneously in shock.
"The Planetary Gear and I are one", Aporia continued. "If you want to stop it, you have to defeat me in a Duel."
"What?" Leo gasped by the news.
"No way…", Luna cold sweated in fear.
"Fine! Jack Atlas will defeat you!" Jack shouted determinedly, not allowing the fear to embrace him.
The twins had brought their Duel Disks along, even though they didn't work when the Ener-D Reactor in New Domino City shut down. However, now that they were in the Planetary Gear, Aporia soundlessly sent commands through the Ener-D flowing around them and activated the Duel Disks so the twins could join the Duel.
"The Duel Disks are working!" Leo exclaimed in relief. "So I'm going to battle too!"
"That's the spirit!" Jack told the male twin. "Leo, this is Team 5D's battle!"
"Team 5D's…", Leo mumbled before he got overly excited to join the battle. "I'm fired up! Luna, I'm gonna give it my all!"
"Yeah, me too!" Luna nodded, but then she cold sweated and her face turned pale as the fear was slowly taking over her. The needles that had already drilled through her skin didn't make her feel better.
"Luna…", Leo mumbled as he noticed his sister was in distress. He was worried about her, but he wasn't going to allow anything bad happen to her. "Don't worry! I promise to protect you, Luna!"
Luna sensed her brother's determination through their Marks and started feeling a little better, knowing both Leo and Jack were going to look after her, just as she was going to do the same for them. "Thank you, Leo!" she smiled to her brother.
"It seems you're ready", Aporia stated.
"Of course! We'll get past you quickly!" Jack yelled with the fire of determination burning within his soul.
"We'll use special tag rules in this Duel", Aporia declared. "We'll each have 4000 Life Points."
"Your Life Points are also 4000?" Jack raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Yes", Aporia nodded. "And I take my turn after all three of you take yours. These rules put me at an overwhelming disadvantage, but I get to go first."
"Fine!" Jack frowned before turning to the twins. "Leo and Luna, let's do this!"
"Yeah!" the twins shouted simultaneously.
XXXXXXXXXX – Z-one's POV
I watched the live feed from the Planetary Gear Aporia was guarding. It turned out Jack, Leo, and Luna were his opponents. A little unexpected, but I had faith in my friend that he would defeat the Signers. However, he didn't have to take it so far and put their lives on the line, but then again…
After I retrieved Aporia from the ocean where he had crashed after the Grand Prix, I asked for his help once again and repaired him so he could protect the Planetary Gears with Paradox. After he was functional, he asked me to remove the final piece of humanity within him and turn him into a heartless machine. I got a little surprised by the request, but I did as he wished.
Back when Paradox got defeated by Muto Yugi, Yuki Judai, and Fudo Yusei in the past, I had used my time traveling power to bring him back to the Ark Cradle. He had suffered from cosmetic damage, but it was an easy repair. Once he was fixed, he was persistent of returning to the past and try disrupting it again. I convinced him not to go. It was clear the three Heroes of Time would just stop him again by using the power of the Crimson Dragon to travel back to the past. That had been a much unexpected turn of events. I knew the dragon god had immense power, but not to that extend.
It was quite the shame Paradox lost against Izayoi Aki, Crow Hogan, and Sherry LeBlanc. A tiny piece of my humanity hurt when I witnessed his demise, but then a small hint of warmth surged through my body when I saw the Signers pay respect to my fallen friend.
Another holographic window appeared next to the live feed of Aporia's Duel. I threw a glance at it and saw the unconscious body lying on the ground by the entrance of the Sun Gear. I had witnessed how Estelle miscalculated her landing and kept falling into the abyss and got separated from the Signers. As soon as she lost consciousness, I took control over the Ark Cradle and activated a net that caught of her and the Duel Runner before they could crash and break in half. Once they fell onto the net, two robot arms gently grasped them and brought them down to the floor with the entrance to the Sun Gear.
The motion sensors had been triggered since she had regained consciousness. I was curious to see what she was going to do; wait for her friends or attempt to stop me on her own without waiting for them. When I saw her pick up the Duel Runner and then mount it, I knew I had the answer to my question.
If she wanted to have a Duel with me, I would gladly give her the opportunity.
XXXXXXXXXX – Estelle's POV
I opened my eyes and was greeted by the sight of a blank and cold floor. My eyes were still hazy from waking up after losing consciousness. I pushed myself up with my elbows until I sat on my backside. I took a couple of seconds to collect myself before I removed the helmet and rubbed my forehead, trying to comprehend what happened before the darkness overwhelmed my senses.
My friends and I had made it to the Ark Cradle and tried finding a way to enter the structure when a hole opened beneath us and we fell down to our supposedly doom. I had miscalculated my landing on one of the platforms so I lost my balance and fell into the seemingly endless darkness. I sincerely thought I was going to die, and yet… Here I was, still alive with no broken bones. When I glanced at my Runner, I saw zero indications of damage.
How the heck did I survive that fall?!
Unless… Was it Z-one's doing? Did he save me? If so, why? Didn't he view me and the Signers as his enemies? Was it possible the little humanity that still possessed him felt bad and he spared my life?
I shook my head, trying not to overwhelm myself. I looked around to see where exactly I was. When I looked over my shoulder, I spotted a familiar opening. I was by the entrance of the main gear where Z-one was waiting for the Signers.
An interesting thought appeared in my head. Should I try Dueling him and stop him, so Yusei didn't have to deal with him, or wait for my friends so we could go together?
In the original story, Yusei was meant to Turbo Duel Z-one and unlock the Limit Over Accel Synchro summoning and stop the main antagonist. And then…he would sacrifice his life by launching himself and his Duel Runner into the Ener-D Reactor of the Ark Cradle to stop the structure from descending onto the Ener-D Reactor in New Domino City.
I bit my lower lip in frustration. I didn't want Yusei to sacrifice himself, even though Z-one ended up taking his place in the anime, but this whole adventure had been messed up with my involvement that I just couldn't predict what Z-one might do or not. Maybe… Just maybe, if I Dueled Z-one, I could at least stall him until Yusei could take over and battle the Timelords.
I knew my Blue-Eyes Deck wouldn't work against the Timelords, but it was still worth a try. I was here in this world for a reason and that was to support the Signers in the best of my abilities.
I stood up from the cold floor and hurried to my Duel Runner. I struggled to pick it up, since it was heavy, but I managed to do so without help. I double-checked the frame to see if anything was loose. I didn't see anything out of the ordinary, so I then checked the database. Everything was all green, so I could drive the Runner. I put my helmet on and drove into the open entrance leading me to Z-one.
It was quite the colorful road to Z-one's location. I drove up a spiral staircase where gears made of Ener-D circled around and shone brightly that it almost made me go blind for brief moments. Thank goodness the visor of the helmet was tinted, so the light didn't affect my eyes. I spotted an Ener-D Reactor along the road. That must've been the main source of the Ark Cradle…and Yusei's presumable death.
The staircase was really long, so it took some time before I reached the top. My Duel Runner literally flew out of the exit and bounced onto the ground that was made by trash and scrap. I drove between some stone tablets that were carved like Duel Monsters card before I skidded to a halt once I felt proper foothold on the tires. I removed my helmet once again and raised the wings on my Runner before I got off. I opened the seat compartment and grabbed my Duel Disk before storing the helmet. I shut the compartment and strapped the Duel Disk on my arm before inserting my Ground Deck.
I took a deep breath to mentally prepare myself before I turned around and faced the lightly lit area. It was full of carved stone tablets and heaps of scrap. I had to be careful where I walked so the scrap wouldn't accidently cut my boots and feet open.
"Welcome, Estelle Malmström-Goodwin", Z-one's modified voice echoed around me.
I turned my eyes at the largest pile of scrap and spotted the top white part of Z-one's machine sticking out at the trash. Z-one looked just like the same as when the Signers and Sherry saw him in the anime; his face was still covered by that mask that had the same mark as the marker on Yusei's left cheek.
"Z-one…", I mumbled softly as I unconsciously clenched my right hand into a fist, not knowing how to feel about this…reunion.
"It's been a long time since we last saw each other", Z-one said.
"You mean…the time I was brought to the future and met you and Johnny?" I asked carefully.
"Yes. In all honesty, I didn't expect you would come here by yourself. I assumed you were going to wait for the Signers before confronting me."
I looked down at my feet as I formed the sentences in my head. "What happened to you, Z-one…? Last time I saw you, you said I brought a small ray of hope in your heart about saving the future…", I spoke softly before looking up at him with a glare while raising my voice in frustration. "But is destroying the present really the only solution for you to save the future from the apocalypse?!"
"Yes", Z-one didn't hesitate to answer my question. "The evolution of Duel Monsters, especially the Synchro Monsters, brought mankind to its end. If they are removed from the past, the Ener-D Reactor wouldn't have been created and it wouldn't have gone berserk and humanity wouldn't have met their downfall. That alone proves that Ener-D, or Momentum, and Synchro summoning carry nothing but a future of destruction and despair. I've done many attempts to eliminate the Ener-D Reactor, but they kept failing because of you and the Signers' involvement. It left me with my final trump card; the Ark Cradle. This time, for certain, New Domino City shall be destroyed along with the Ener-D Reactor."
"Don't you understand how many people you've put in danger because of your antics?!" I shouted angrily. "Even at this moment, the people of the city are evacuating while feeling extremely hopeless! You've forced them to run from their homes with an uncertain future in front of them!"
"Every sacrifice comes with a price", Z-one responded nonchalantly. "Losing a few lives is the cost for a brighter future of many. The city was once rebuilt after the first Zero Reverse, so it can be rebuilt again, but not the current future."
I couldn't believe my ears. Did Z-one really have no empathy for the scared people who were leaving the city? Didn't he care that he was actually putting so many lives in danger because of his actions?
"How can you be so cruel?!" I yelled. "You were once a human, right?! Don't you feel any empathy or regrets for what you've done?!"
"My feelings were lost the moment I lost my mortal body after constructing this artificial body of mine to prolong my life. I have only one directive and that is to change the future. I will not allow anyone to stand in my path, and that includes not only the Signers but you as well…Estelle."
My body suddenly shivered by the tone he used to say my name, even with the voice modification. It felt almost the same way whenever Yusei gently spoke my name. Why did their voices sound so awfully similar to each other? Something was off here, but what?
"I assume you have the foolish wish to challenge me to a Duel", Z-one snapped me out of my trance. "I don't know whether to frown or applaud at your courage while you believe you might have a chance against me."
"I don't know unless I try", I replied as I allowed the determination to take control over my body. "At this moment, the Signers are doing their best to stop the Ark Cradle from destroying the city, so it would be unfair if I was the only one who didn't do a single thing." I raised my left arm with the Duel Disk and activated it. "Z-one! I challenge you to a Duel!"
"Very well. I accept your challenge."
A light erupted from the heap of scrap in front of Z-one, so I quickly shielded my arms before I could go blind. The whole area also started shaking like an earthquake, so I forced myself down on one knee to stay steady. The light soon vanished, so I was able to watch as the device that was part of Z-one split into three compartments. Z-one's machine floated up from the scrap heap so two compartments could float right next to him like arms. The third compartment was the Deck holder and floated to Z-one's right. The stone tablets scattered around pulled themselves up from the ground and swirled around in the air until the concrete shattered and revealed actual paper cards, except they were ten times larger than the usual cards. They got stacked into a complete Deck and were inserted in the Deck holder.
"I am ready", Z-one stated.
"Me too", I nodded.
This could be it. My last Duel in this world before my duty as the Crimson Star Priestess was truly fulfilled.
Everyone… Yusei… I will do everything in my power to stop Z-one!
"Duel!"
Z-one: 4000 LP
Estelle: 4000 LP
"I'll go first", Z-one declared as he added his first five cards to his large right mechanical hand before reaching for the Deck to draw his sixth card. "I draw. I play Foolish Burial to send one Monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I choose Doppelwarrior."
"Va? (What?)" I exclaimed in surprise.
Was Z-one using a completely different Deck against me? He didn't have Doppelwarrior in his Deck in the anime, only Timelords! Unless… He was saving the Timelords for his Duels against Aporia and Yusei. I wouldn't be surprised if he happened to possess three copies of every Duel Monsters card that had been created. After all, he came from the future, and who knew what other cards they had created at that point.
"I summon Junk Synchron in attack mode."
Junk Synchron, Level 3, Tuner: ATK 1300
Now he used Junk Synchron, another Monster that Yusei had in his Deck?
"Junk Synchron's effect. When he's Normal summoned, I may Special summon a Level 2 or lower Monster from my Graveyard in defense mode and negate its effects. I Special summon Doppelwarrior."
Doppelwarrior; Level 2: DEF 800
"I tune Level 3 Junk Synchron with Level 2 Doppelwarrior. Clustering scars are the medals of resistance! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro summon! Come forth, Scarred Warrior!"
A male humanoid Monster flew out of the light and slashed the air around him with a dagger strapped by his right wrist. His whole right arm was wrapped in bandages from the shoulder down to the hands. His right leg was made up by a bionic leg, a clear sign he had lost his leg in a tough battle at some point.
Scarred Warrior, Level 5: ATK 2100
This was my first time ever facing this Monster in a Duel. I was familiar with it back in my world because the manga version of Yusei used it.
"Doppelwarrior's effect. Since he was sent to the Graveyard as Synchro Material, I can Special summon two Doppel Token in attack mode."
Doppel Token, Level 1: ATK 400
Doppel Token, Level 1: ATK 400
"I place one card facedown and end my turn. Let me give you a small piece of advice, Estelle; as long as Scarred Warrior is on the field, you cannot target other face-up warrior Monsters for attacks except him."
I gritted my teeth in slight frustration. The Doppel Tokens were of the warrior-type, so it would've been a quick victory if I could attack them, but Scarred Warrior's effect protected them from getting targeted. I had no choice but to get rid of the Synchro Monster first.
"My turn. Draw!" I yelled as I drew my sixth card.
I had Sage with Eyes of Blue, the White Stone of Ancients, Mirror Force, Monster Reborn, Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon, and now Trade-In. It was an okay hand, but I needed to get better ones in order to reach my max potential.
"I play Trade-In! I send my Level 8 Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon to draw two more cards!"
I sent my dragon to the Graveyard and drew the top two cards. They were Breakthrough Skill and Deep-Eyes White Dragon. Okay, now it was a little better.
"I summon the White Stone of Ancients in defense mode!"
The White Stone of Ancients, Level 1, Tuner: DEF 500
"Next, I activate Sage with Eyes of Blue's effect in my hand! I discard him and target one Effect Monster I control so I can send it to the Graveyard and then Special summon one Blue-Eyes Monster from my Deck! I target the White Stone of Ancients and Special summon Blue-Eyes White Dragon in attack mode!"
The large white stone began glowing as cracks were formed on the surface. I could hear the sound of a heartbeat echoing from it. It didn't take long before the stone fully cracked and a bright light was released. I had to close my eyes to shield then as a familiar screech echoed in the area. When I no longer felt the light, I opened my eyes and was met by the sight of Blue-Eyes White Dragon's back.
Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Level 8: ATK 3000
"Blue-Eyes White Dragon… A legendary Monster…", Z-one commented quietly.
"Battle!" I declared. "Blue-Eyes White Dragon, attack Scarred Warrior with White Lightning!"
Blue-Eyes White Dragon screeched as it collected energy in its open mouth. The white light crackled as it was fired upon Scarred Warrior. The Synchro Monster didn't budge and remained still as the attack engulfed him.
"Scarred Warrior cannot be destroyed by battle once per turn", Z-one pointed out.
"But you still take damage!" I countered back.
The remnants of the White Lightning attack reflected upward toward Z-one and struck him with a soft lightning bolt. He didn't make a sound as his Life Points were decreased by the attack.
Z-one: 4000 LP – 3100 LP
Estelle: 4000 LP
"Main Phase 2!" I continued my turn. "I play Monster Reborn to Special summon the White Stone of Ancients from my Graveyard in defense mode!"
The White Stone of Ancients, Level 1, Tuner: DEF 500
"I tune Level 1 White Stone of Ancients with Level 8 Blue-Eyes White Dragon! Silver scales clad the dragon. Protect its glory and roar like thunder! Synchro summon! Arise, Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon!"
Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon, Level 9: DEF 3000
"Azure-Eyes' effect! When it's Special summoned, neither player can target or destroy dragon Monsters I currently control with card effects until the end of the next turn!"
"I activate my Trap; Dark Spirit Art – Greed", Z-one spoke up. "By Tributing one DARK attribute Monster, I may draw two cards from my Deck. My opponent may negate the effect by revealing one Spell card in their hand."
"I have no Spell cards right now", I shook my head.
"Very well. I shall proceed. I Tribute one of my two Doppel Tokens."
The first Doppel Token that got summoned during the last turn dissipated into particles that swirled around Z-one's Deck holder, causing the top two cards to glow in a sinister purple color. Z-one didn't pay attention to it as he drew the cards.
"I place two cards facedown and go to the End Phase", I called as I set Mirror Force and Breakthrough Skill. "During the End Phase, the White Stone of Ancients' effect activates, which lets me Special summon one Blue-Eyes Monster from my Deck. I Special summon Blue-Eyes Abyss Dragon in attack mode!"
Blue-Eyes Abyss Dragon, Level 8: ATK 2500
"Blue-Eyes Abyss Dragon's effect! When it's Special summoned and I have a Blue-Eyes White Dragon on the field or in the Graveyard, I may add one Polymerization or a Ritual Spell card from my Deck! I add the Ritual Spell, Chaos Form, to my hand and then activate Abyss Dragon's second effect! During the End Phase, I can add one Level 8 or higher dragon-type Monster from my Deck to the hand! I choose Level 8 Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon!"
Okay, I had built up a good defense now. I just had to stay alive until my next turn to summon one of my best Monsters and obliterate Z-one.
"My turn. Draw. I play Heavy Storm."
"No!" I exclaimed in horror, since I knew what its effects were.
"Every Spell and Trap card that are on the field are destroyed."
A powerful wind current blew around in the indoor area and also caused some of the trash to fly around. I shielded my head with my arms so I wouldn't get hit by something. I watched as my two Trap cards were flipped up before they were ripped apart by the current. Moments later, the current had calmed down and the scrap bounced down onto the hard ground.
"Next, I play the Warrior Returning Alive. I target one warrior Monster in my Graveyard and add it to my hand. I target Junk Synchron."
I cold sweated in slight distress. Was Z-one planning on Synchro summoning again?
"I summon Junk Synchron in attack mode."
Junk Synchron, Level 3, Tuner: ATK 1300
"Junk Synchron's effect. I Special summon Doppelwarrior from the Graveyard in defense mode and its effects are negated."
Doppelwarrior, Level 2: DEF 800
I inwardly slapped myself for even asking that question. Of course he would Synchro summon.
"I tune Level 3 Junk Synchron with Level 2 Doppelwarrior. Clustering stars will call upon a new force! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro summon! Show yourself, Junk Warrior!"
Junk Warrior, Level 5: ATK 2300
My eyes widened in surprise once again. He actually summoned one of Yusei's most loveable and iconic Synchro Monster?! What in the world is going on here?!
"This time, I shall not activate Doppelwarrior's effect to Special summon Doppel Tokens, but Junk Warrior's effect activates. When it's Synchro summoned, it gains the attack points equal to the total attack points of all Level 2 or lower Monsters I currently control. Since I have my second Doppel Token, he gains its 400 attack points."
The Doppel Token got enveloped in a light green aura for a few seconds before it was transferred to Junk Warrior, giving the newly Synchro summoned Monster its attack points to increase its strength.
Junk Warrior, Level 5: ATK 2300 – ATK 2700
"I now play One for One. I send the Monster, Quickdraw Synchron, from my hand to the Graveyard to Special summon a Level 1 Monster from my Deck. I Special summon Unknown Synchron in defense mode."
Unknown Synchron, Level 1, Tuner: DEF 0
I felt like I was getting a headache by all this confusion. Why was Z-one using Yusei's cards?! Was he that obsessed with him like a major fan?
"Battle. Junk Warrior, attack Blue-Eyes Abyss Dragon."
Junk Warrior activated the thrusters on his back before he flew towards Blue-Eyes Abyss Dragon. He clenched his right hand into a fist and threw it forward to strike the dragon on the abdomen. My dragon screeched in pain before it exploded into pieces. Some of them rained upon me, so I used my Duel Disk as a shield once again. I grunted softly through my teeth when I felt one of the pieces scratch my left hand. This gave me confirmation that the battle damage was real. Now I had to extremely careful and survive this Duel.
Z-one: 3100 LP
Estelle: 4000 LP – 3800 LP
"Deep-Eyes White Dragon's effect activates in my hand!" I quickly yelled. "When a face-up Blue-Eyes Monster I control is destroyed by battle or an opponent's card effect, and I have a dragon-type Monster in the Graveyard, I can Special summon Deep-Eyes from my hand!"
As soon as I placed the card on the Duel Disk, a bright white and light blue light erupted from the field. The large body of Deep-Eyes ascended from a gate and flew over me until it stood behind me. It released a roar to be intimidating.
Deep-Eyes White Dragon, Level 10: ATK 0
"When Deep-Eyes White Dragon is Special summoned by this effect, I can inflict 600 points of damage for every dragon-type Monster with different names I have in my Graveyard!" I continued. "I have Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon, the White Stone of Ancients, Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and Blue-Eyes Abyss Dragon, so that's a total of 2400 points of damage to you, Z-one!"
Deep-Eyes White Dragon screeched once again as its wings began glowing. The sound of energy being loaded was heard from the Monster before it fired a white shiny beam toward Z-one.
"I activate Junkuriboh in my hand", Z-one quickly called. "When my opponent activates a card or effect that inflicts damage to me; I can send Junkuriboh from my hand or field to the Graveyard to negate the activation and then destroy the card."
Junkuriboh appeared on the field and quickly flew over to Z-one to block the effect damage from Deep-Eyes White Dragon. The white beam split apart and hit the surroundings, including the ceiling and the ground of the scrapyard. The little Kuriboh chirped as it flew toward Deep-Eyes with a determined glare in its eyes, the same type that Yusei had whenever he was serious, and pierced itself through the dragon's torso. Deep-Eyes roared in pain before it exploded behind me into a cloud of star particles. The force of the explosion pushed me down onto my stomach, so I crashed onto the surface of the scrapyard. I barely dodged a few sharp edges that could have cut my skin open.
"Main Phase 2. I place one card facedown and switch Doppel Token and Scarred Warrior to defense mode and end my turn."
Doppel Token, Level 1: ATK 400 – DEF 400
Scarred Warrior, Level 5: ATK 2100 – DEF 1000
I pushed myself up on one knee to pay attention at the Duel. "Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon's effect is now over", I pointed out as I straightened up and brushed the dirt off my clothes.
"Yes. It is now your turn. Show me your true power, Estelle."
"I will! Draw!" I shouted determinedly as I drew Galaxy Serpent. "Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon's effect activates during the Standby Phase! Once per turn, it can Special summon one Normal Monster from my Graveyard! I Special summon Blue-Eyes White Dragon in attack mode!"
Azure-Eyes screeched a mating call as a gate appeared on the field. The shiny form of Blue-Eyes White Dragon flew out from it with a joyful shriek to be back before it landed next to the Synchro Monster.
Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Level 8: ATK 3000
"Main Phase 1!" I continued my turn. "I activate Breakthrough Skill in my Graveyard! By removing it from play, I can target one of your Effect Monsters and negate its effects for the rest of this turn! I target Scarred Warrior, which means I'm free to attack any of your warrior Monsters!"
The transparent version of Breakthrough Skill appeared on the field before a white dragon paw extended itself out of the artwork. It pulled itself toward Scarred Warrior who had crouched down in defense mode. The paw slapped him on the cheek, causing him to let out a grunt of pain as his effects were now disabled.
"I now play Chaos Form! I remove my Level 8 Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon from the Graveyard to Ritual summon Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon! When the world is in chaos, the dragon once pure but now consumed in darkness shall come forth to break the shackles of death! Ritual summon! Descend, Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon!"
The area became dark as thunderclouds appeared above us. The dark lightning crackled as the eight Level Stars of Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon flew up to complete the ritual. It didn't take long before I heard a new dragon roar echoing from the clouds. The Ritual Monster descended from the thunderclouds with a roar that sounded like ten thousand lightning strikes.
Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon, Level 8: ATK 4000
Z-one didn't comment on the summoning. In fact, he was awfully silent. I kind of ignored it as I continued my turn.
"Next, I summon Galaxy Serpent in attack mode!"
Galaxy Serpent, Level 2, Tuner: ATK 1000
"I tune Level 2 Galaxy Serpent with Level 9 Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon! A million suns are never enough to outshine the brightest star of the universe! Synchro summon! Arise, the Emperor of the Stars, Star Eater!"
The familiar star appeared above me with heat radiating that tickled my body. I soon heard Star Eater's roar as he expanded his wings, tail, and neck out of the star, being free to battle for the first time in a very, very long time.
Star Eater, Level 11: ATK 3200
"I activate Blue-Eyes Abyss Dragon's effect in my Graveyard!" I called. "By removing it from play, it will give every Level 8 and higher dragon-type Monster I currently control a boost of 1000 attack points!"
The transparent image of Blue-Eyes Abyss Dragon appeared above the battlefield and began flapping its wings, releasing shiny blue particles. It dissipated as my three dragon Monsters glowed in a blue aura for a brief moment before they returned to normal, now a little stronger than before.
Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Level 8: ATK 3000 – ATK 4000
Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon, Level 8: ATK 4000 – ATK 5000
Star Eater, Level 11: ATK 3200 – ATK 4200
This could be it! I might actually defeat Z-one and stop him before Yusei! I was cheering inwardly when my dreams came crashing down.
"I activate my Trap; Synchro Transmission", Z-one called. "During the Main Phase, I can immediately Synchro summon one Synchro Monster using Monsters I control as material. I tune Level 1 Unknown Synchron with Level 1 Doppel Token. Clustering wishes will call out a new speed's horizon! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro summon! The Power of Hope, Synchro Tuner, Formula Synchron!"
Formula Synchron, Level 2, Tuner: DEF 1500
I flinched in shock when I saw the Tuner Synchro Monster. I didn't expect him to summon that Monster at all, even though I should have been suspicious about why Z-one was using an improvised Yusei Deck.
Wait…
One Level 2 Tuner Synchro Monster and two Level 5 Synchro Monsters were currently on Z-one's field…
"Formula Synchron's effect", Z-one called. "When it's Synchro summoned, I can draw one card from my Deck. However, I am not done, because I now activate Formula Synchron's second effect." Said Monster revved its engine, forcing steam out of its frame, as Scarred Warrior and Junk Warrior levitated next to it. "Once per turn, during my opponent's Main Phase, I can Synchro summon using Formula Synchron and other Monsters I control."
No way! He's really going to Accel Synchro summon?!
No, that term was wrong. It was either going to be Delta Accel Synchro or the other special Accel Synchro that Yusei performed in the anime, but I forgot its name. I had only watched the whole Japanese subbed anime once.
"Top Clear Mind!"
Formula Synchron drove ahead and went in loops above me before Z-one's two warrior Synchro Monsters chased after it. The Tuner Synchro Monster was soon enveloped in a bright pink aura as a green holographic tunnel appeared on the loop Formula Synchron drove around on. It transformed into two Level Stars that shaped into two tuning rings. Scarred Warrior and Junk Warrior flew into the two tuning rings as they kept flying around endlessly.
"Clustering blazar from cosmos creates the road to a new world! Become the path its light shines upon! Delta Accel Synchro!"
The light exploded with a loud bang above me that forced me down on one knee again. My ears were ringing and my eyesight almost got ruined by the sudden explosion. Is this how Accel Synchro summoning is performed in the realm that Yusei sometimes disappeared into to evolve Stardust Dragon? How did he endure the light and the sound? It was overwhelming for my senses.
My ears quit ringing a moment later, just enough to hear a familiar dragon screech. I opened my eyes and looked up to be greeted by a shocking view.
This Monster had only been mentioned one brief moment in the entire anime and that was in a flashback. It hadn't even appeared in the manga. It was none other than Cosmic Blazar Dragon!
Cosmic Blazar Dragon, Level 12: ATK 4000
I couldn't believe my eyes. How was Z-one able to summon this Synchro Monster?! I knew the original Yusei, before the time alteration occurred, had managed to achieve Delta Accel Synchro and obtained Cosmic Blazar Dragon in the future. Did Z-one have the Clear Mind ability just like Yusei and Antinomy?!
"I see you are astonished", Z-one spoke up. "To answer your questions… Yes. I have obtained Cosmic Blazar Dragon and I have the Clear Mind ability to perform Accel Synchro and Delta Accel Synchro. It took some time while experimenting in Turbo Duels, but I achieved it. With my trusting partner, Cosmic Blazar Dragon, I shall change the future and create a new world."
Cosmic Blazar Dragon growled through its teeth as it glared at my three dragons. It was clear it was ready to fight for its life while serving its master. I knew this was actually supposed to be one of Stardust Dragon's evolved forms, but I didn't sense a single trace of energy that indicated it was part of the Signer Dragon. Was it because Z-one hadn't used Stardust Dragon for the Delta Accel Synchro summoning?
"It is still your turn, Estelle", Z-one reminded me. "What will you do?"
I snapped out of my trance and glared at my opponent in determination. "I will keep fighting to the very end! Cosmic Blazar Dragon doesn't scare me!" I shouted. "Battle! Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon, attack Cosmic Blazar Dragon!"
The Ritual Monster roared as it discharged some electricity from its body. The lightning struck the ground and forced it to shake before my dragon flew toward the Delta Accel Synchro Monster. Thanks to Blue-Eyes Abyss Dragon, Chaos MAX Dragon was 1000 attack points stronger than Cosmic Blazar Dragon. I could defeat it.
Or so I thought.
"Cosmic Blazar Dragon's effect", Z-one called out. "I can banish it from the field until the End Phase to activate one of its three effects." Cosmic Blazar Dragon screeched as it dissipated into a cloud of light green and white particles and swirled around in the air, waiting for Z-one's next command. "I choose its third effect. When an opponent's Monster declares an attack, the attack is negated and ends the Battle Phase."
The swirl of particles was blown at Chaos MAX Dragon as it approached Z-one stead. My dragon was swept by the particles and pushed it back to my field, forcing it to end the battle. I gritted my teeth in frustration by the counterattack. I had completely forgotten Cosmic Blazar Dragon's effects. It was one remarkable Monster.
There was nothing else I could do for the rest of my turn, so I had to end it. "I end my turn", I called.
"During the End Phase, Cosmic Blazar Dragon returns to the field."
A wormhole appeared above Z-one's field as it released a spotlight. Cosmic Blazar Dragon descended from the wormhole and in the middle of the light. Its eyes glowed in a bright golden color before releasing a cry that shook the scrapyard.
Cosmic Blazar Dragon, Level 12: ATK 4000
I cold sweated a little bit in concern. Cosmic Blazar Dragon had 4000 attack points, so it was in par with my Blue-Eyes White Dragon. However, it was still weak against Star Eater and Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon. I had a good defense, but I shouldn't underestimate Z-one. He had used all kinds of cards that not even Yusei had used throughout the time I had been in this world. He might get a card that could sweep my Monsters from the field in a flash.
"My turn", Z-one called as he drew his next card.
I waited patiently as he analyzed the two cards he had in his hand. However, I was getting a little restless when he didn't do anything for a couple of minutes.
"Z-one?" I called. "Are you okay?"
He didn't respond to my question. He just remained silent and didn't move the mechanical arms to use one of his cards. Why was he hesitating?
"Z-one!" I shouted, now being a little impatient.
That must have helped him to snap out of his thoughts. His left hand grabbed one of the cards in his hand and placed it on the ground. "I activate Raigeki."
"Raigeki?!" I exclaimed in horror.
"It destroys every Monster my opponent controls."
A new set of thunderclouds appeared above my field that crackled by the static charge. The next thing I knew, three massive lightning bolts struck my dragons. The dragons screeched in pain as they were electrocuted by the lightning bolts. I could only watch in horror as they exploded into millions of pieces, leaving my field entirely empty for a direct attack.
"No…", I mumbled in disbelief.
"Estelle", Z-one called as he got my attention. "You did well, but you aren't the one meant to Duel me in order to stop the Ark Cradle. I thank you, though, for giving me a little warm-up before my Duel against my ot-" He stopped himself from finishing that sentence and made a noise that resembled when you cleared your throat. "…against Fudo Yusei."
What was he actually about to say? Something like his other self? Well, there was this fan-theory that Z-one was originally supposed to be Yusei from the future, and I think I heard that was the original script, but it got scrapped after all the changes of the anime. I inwardly laughed sarcastically and shrugged at those theories when I felt my whole body freeze after comprehending everything that had occurred during this Duel.
Z-one impersonated Yusei. He used cards that Yusei had in his Deck. He could use Clear Mind and had Cosmic Blazar Dragon. He founded Iliaster in the far future after encountering Johnny, Paradox and Aporia's human selves, meaning he had a wide knowledge about technology, hence how he was able to build the androids of the members of Iliaster. I personally met him in the apocalyptic future when Paradox sent me there and got to watch how Z-one behaved and spoke just like Yusei.
All of that made sense, but there was still one thing that was a question mark to me.
Where were the Timelords? Why did Z-one change his Deck?
Unless… Z-one isn't who I thought he was. He's someone I actually know! Someone I have been with the entire time since I arrived to this world!
My eyes widened as I reached that conclusion. "N-No… I-It can't be…", my voice shook as I covered my gaping mouth and stared at Z-one in shock. "Y-You are…"
Z-one said nothing to confirm my guess. Instead, he raised his left arm and pointed his index finger at me. "Cosmic Blazar Dragon. Attack Estelle directly", he gave a simple but clear command.
Cosmic Blazar Dragon roared as its body began glowing at the same time as a whirlwind enveloped it. The current blew around me and caused my hair to ruffle around and straight on my face. The white dragon opened its mouth and collected energy that shone in silver, green, yellow, and other bright colors.
I was now scared for my life. Is Z-one set on killing me?! Well, I didn't want to die! I still had to tell Yusei my feelings!
I turned around to run to safety, not even thinking about using my powers because I was panicking. I was only meters away from my Duel Runner when I heard how Cosmic Blazar Dragon unleashed its attack. I could see the light as it was reflected in front of me. I was just about to leap for the final meter when I got engulfed by the dragon's beam.
I screeched as pain swept through my body. The heat of the attack felt like it was burning my skin and clothes. I have never ever experienced such pain. The force of the beam threw me down to the ground. I must have hit something hard because I suddenly felt immense pain from my left arm. My scream got drowned by the noise of the attack.
Z-one: 3100 LP
Estelle: 3800 LP – 0 LP
I remembered hearing myself screaming the one last word before I lost consciousness, fearing this was the end for me.
"YUSEI!"